Selling a Vacation Home

Is it time to put your vacation home on the market? Maybe you just don’t visit it as often as you thought, or it’s time to downsize. Whatever your reasons, it’s important to be strategic about selling your vacation home. These are our best suggestions for optimizing your vacation home sale.

List in the busy season

If you’re not in a hurry to sell, then the best time to list your vacation home for sale is in the busy season. This will expose your house to the largest pool of potential buyers. In most cases, the busy season is the summer. But if your home is located in a ski resort, then you’d obviously want to list in the winter. While you’ll have more competition from other sellers, you’re also more likely to sell quickly and for the best price.

Focus on curb appeal

While curb appeal is important for any home sale, it is vitally important for selling your vacation home. Vacation homes are retreats from our everyday lives, and making your home look like a little slice of paradise will make it that much more appealing to buyers. First impressions are key, so pay special attention to the exterior and landscaping. Stage the inside of the home to reflect the kinds of activities that are popular in the area. For example, if you’re near the water, decorate with a beach or nautical theme.

Be upfront about home’s history

If your vacation home has been used as a rental property, you’ll want to disclose this. Some buyers may be interested in renting out the home when they’re not using it. Showing that the house has a solid history of rentals can work in your favor. Be sure to let buyers know where the vacation rental is listed online, who is currently managing the property, and what kind of income it generates. You might also include projected income for the next six months to demonstrate the investment potential.

Sell the location

Potential buyers of your vacation home aren’t just interested in the property itself, they’re also buying the location. What are some of the great reasons to own a vacation home in your area? What activities and amenities are nearby? Who are the neighbors? Are there great shops or restaurants in the area? Make a list of all the perks of living in that neighborhood, and include them in your marketing materials.

Work with an experienced agent

Finally, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who has experience with selling vacation homes in your area. Your agent should be knowledgeable about the local market, new developments in the works, and comps for the area. They’ll know how to best advertise your home, where to find interested buyers, and how to price the home competitively. They can advise you on the details that are specific to selling a second home, and help you navigate the process. An experienced agent will be your partner from the beginning stages right up through closing day, and will be an invaluable resource for getting a speedy sale at a great price.